IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
Keith Allison
Services for Arlen Keith Allison, 90, Marion, who passed away the evening of Thursday, March 3, 2022, at his home with his children at his side, were scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 9, at Marion Presbyterian Church, led by Pastor Jeremiah Lange.
His family gathered with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, at Yazel Megli Funeral Home. Burial was to have been at 9 a.m. March 9 in McPherson Cemetery.
Keith’s life began on Nov. 13, 1931, in McPherson. He was a son of Ivan and Lydia (Chapin) Allison.
Keith served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War years of 1953 to 1955. When he was released from service, he began studying at McPherson College.
Keith earned a degree in music from McPherson College and a master’s degree from Wichita State, attended seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, and received his doctorate of theology from the University of Cleveland.
Keith married the love of his life, Claudia Jo Stump, Aug. 20, 1955, in Perryton, Texas.
In his earliest career he taught music at Halstead and later at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita.
Keith was called to serve as a pastor in the Presbyterian Church after his teaching. He pastored Presbyterian churches in McKinney, Texas; Cushing, Oklahoma; Neosho, Missouri; and El Paso, Texas, and finally served for years as an interim pastor in Halstead, Marion, and Jetmore.
Keith loved to travel with his family, especially to Estes Park, Colorado. He was an avid gardener and exceptional woodworker. Keith also was a talented piano player and a very skilled piano tuner, a skill that he acquired early on in his family life and that he continued to use into his retirement.
He is survived by children Kendall Allison (and wife Patty) of McPherson and Jackie Osborne (and husband Terry) of Neosho, Missouri; grandchildren Carlin Turner, Austin Spencer, Derrick Allison, Nick Osborne (and wife Abby), Jeremy Osborne (and wife Caitlin), Kendra Smith (and husband Richard), Brandon Allison (and wife Emily), Matt Allison (and wife Kaleigh), Josh Allison (and wife Britney), Rachel Allison, and Heather Retter (and husband Kollin); great-grandchildren Maicy, Oliver, Owen, Oliver S., Tilly, Addilyn, Avery, Gavin, Austyn, Sadie, Devin and Emeryson; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Claudia, son Douglas, brother Vincent Allison, and sister Ann Schubert.
Memorial contributions in Keith’s name may be directed to Marion Presbyterian Church piano fund.
Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Keith at www.yazelmeglifh.com.